Call for 2015 Maryland Outstanding Young Farmer Nominees

Nominations Due January 1, 2016

ANNAPOLIS, MD – To honor the up-and-coming leaders of Maryland’s thriving agricultural community, the Maryland Department of Agriculture is accepting nominations of young farmers for the Maryland Outstanding Young Farmer Award. The award pays tribute to a deserving young farmer who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to agriculture in Maryland, progress in their agricultural career, use of resource conservation practices, and contributions to their community.

Nomination forms are available on the Maryland Department of Agriculture website.  Any farmer between the ages of 21 and 45 years old, who operates a Maryland Farm, and derives, at least 50% of their income from farming is eligible for the award.  Nominations may be submitted by anyone including the nominee.

The Maryland Outstanding Young Farmer will be determined based on personal contributions in the following categories: progress in agricultural career (50%); use of resource conservation practices (25%); and contributions to agriculture and community organizations (25%).

Nominations are due to MDA by 5 p.m. on January 1, 2016, and will be reviewed by the Governor’s Selection Committee. The selection committee includes the Dean of the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the President of the Maryland Farm Bureau, and members of the agricultural community.  The 2015 Maryland Outstanding Young Farmer will be announced and recognized at the “Taste of Maryland” Agricultural Dinner in February 2016.

Click here for the nomination form.

For more information, contact Jessica Armacost:
(443) 883-0217, [email protected]

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